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40 Years Ago In Aviation Week: The First Satellite Repair In Space
Astronaut George D. Nelson flew the Martin Marietta maneuvering unit to get into position to dock with and repair NASA's Solar Maximum satellite mounted on space shuttle Challenger.
Our cover of June 4, 1984, showcased the first repair of a satellite in space. Astronauts James D. van Hoften and George D. Nelson were pictured replacing a failed attitude control system on NASA’s Solar Maximum satellite, which had been captured by space shuttle Challenger. 
Solar Maximum, the only orbiting U.S. solar observatory, had been launched in 1980 and was designed with standard satellite components that made it easier to repair. The in-orbit fix was captured by a 70mm IMAX movie camera operated by Mission Commander Robert L. Crippen. The revived Solar Max continued operating for another five years.
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